Go 101 - Tempting Fate (1989)

(Australian 1987 - 1990)

Go 101 was a Melbourne-based funk/pop band formed by David Wilson and Daniel Alan of the band Hue & Cry. Signed to the Mercury label, their debut single "Build It Up" saw them nominated for three awards at the ARIA Music Awards of 1989. The single also charted in Sydney and Perth, which was their only success outside Melbourne.

Three more singles and an album ''Tempting Fate'' followed, released in 1989. The band guested in Australian soap opera Neighbours in 1990 but they didn't last much longer.

Aussie pop and funky smooth jazz—what a terrific combination!

'Tempting Fate', is the marvelous debut album by the Melbourne, Victoria, outfit that called itself GO 101

Go 101

The group's lead singer David Wilson is the vocal head of this class—one of those melodic AOR soft rock types, while his bandmates provide great backup vocals and catchy Eighties dance/pop rhythms and beats on bass, guitar and drums.

The surprise guest in this album's production lies with renowned saxophonist Gerald Albright.

Hear Gerald's scintillating jazzy offerings first on "Message (to a broken heart)", one of two of the top picks because of is dancey vibe and David Wilson's lofty voice.

Then enjoy the fruits of Gerald Albright's talents again later on the magically delicious "Room For Love", which begins and ends with a lovely acapella intro with continuous jazz undertones and soulicious backup vocals all throughout.  Climaxing during the middle portion of the song when Gerald Albright's blaring saxophone solo pierces your heart—definitely the album's #1 hit!

Band Members: - David Wilson (vocals/keyboards), Peter Badenoch (bass),
Steven Brooks (guitar), Daniel Alan (drums)

If you have an easy-listening playlist or are thinking of putting together a soft rock compilation of love songs, then you've gotta leave room for "Room For Love", so you can add it to the collection!

Now that I think about it, the way Room For Love, starts off reminds me of a Wet, Wet, Wet-song from the Scottish sophisti-pop band's Popped In Souled Out album— I Don't Believe (Sonny's letter).

And thinking about Wet, Wet, Wet further, both GO 101's David Wilson and Wet, Wet, Wet's Marti Pellow do sound remarkably similar.

The album's title track is also amazing, the mellow tonality and that voice of David Wilson's are what grabbed hold of me while listening to this album for the first time.  Also on this album, is that good ole free-and-easy spirit of Eighties pop on tunes like the opener, "Jealous Heart", "Build It Up", and "How Can I Be Sure" (I like this one because of its dancey beat, too).

Also worth mentioning is "Twenty-Four Hours", which is a prime example of those easy-to-love songs from the Eighties with the simple lyrics ('I'm open 24-hours for you, babe' is the line repeated in the main chorus) and simple musical arrangements.

Being a jazz lover I have to mention one more song where the instrumentals are simply adorable, even if those instrumentals last only for a few moments: "Testify.  A song not with religious overtones, but rather, the lyrics simply speaking about the songwriter saying it's time for a woman to testify her love.  Here, a dazzling trumpet accompaniment breaks into the breezy melody midway through.

So if you haven't yet heard anything by this Aussie band but have now been persuaded to check out Tempting Fate, all I have left to say is give in to temptation and just go for it! [Review by Tomaldo]

Go 101 Singles

• "Build It Up / Walls" released Sep 88 which peaked at #45
• "Room For Love / Falling (Down A River)" released Mar 89 which peaked at #61
• "Jealous Heart / Jealous Heart (Instrumental)" released Nov 89 and also peaked at #61 
• "Message (London Mix) / Message (L.A. Mix)" released in 1990 by Mercury peaking at #131

This post consists of MP3's (320kps) ripped from Cassette Tape and includes full album artwork for CD & Japanese Cassette Tape releases (Thanks to Tomaldo from Midoztouch2).  

Go 101 were able to gain the assistance of some real heavies in the Australian Music Industry, like Lindsay Field and Venetta Fields (John Farnham Band) and Joe Creighton (Billy T) providing backup vocals and Tim Powles (The Venetians) on Percussion.

As a bonus, I am including the non-album single "Walls" which was the B-Side to their "Build It Up" single.

Track List:

01 Jealous Heart 3.51

02 Message (to a broken heart) 3.57

03 Nothing Changes 3.33

04 Build It Up 5.03

05 Tempting Fate 4.13

06 Room For Love 3.22

07 How Can I Be Sure 3.54

08 Twenty Four Hours 3.33

09 Testify 5.16

10 Another Dream 4.29

11 Walls 3:35 (Non Album B-Side Single) 

Go 101 Link (109Mb)